Acts 24
Paul has a trial before Felix. The Jews accuse him of being a
troublemaker and a ringleader of the sect called the Nazarene 1-5.
Note: Believers were called by different names, here is one. The
Jews speak of the truth in this matter, yet they are the ones who
are 'falsifying the record' to get Paul (the same thing they did
with Jesus and false testimony) 5-9. Paul clearly (and I imagine
calmly) responds to the charges with the simple truth (facts) of
the matter at hand 10-13. He declares his faith in the Way (Jesus)
and God's Word 14-16. He explains the details surrounding the
uproar at the temple, not caused by him or his actions, but by the
Jews 17-21. It is interesting that Felix was 'well acquainted with
the Way' 22, had a Jewish wife (Drusilla) 24, and listened to Paul
on many occasions 24-26b, even though he was troubled by what he
hear 25, and had selfish motives in mind 26. Note: What a missed
opportunity for him to 'get saved' ! Trials drag, as they do in our
day and Paul is there for over two years 27a. Felix is succeeded by
Festus and as a parting gesture to the Jews, Paul is kept in
prison. 27. Note: I assume that Felix did not come to faith in
Christ, even with Paul there to proclaim the truth. Also, though he
was limited for this extended period of time, Paul still was about
'the Master's work' with those who came to him 23.
Acts 25
With arrival of Festus, the Jewish leaders waste no time in wanting
Paul tired 1-2. They plot an ambush to kill him 3. Note: They kept
their hate alive for over two years, so it is with any unrepentant,
stubborn, unregenerate heart. Festus, first wants to hear the
charges 4-7. Then Paul makes his defense 8-10. He points out that
they have not real case 10 and then appeals to Caesar to be heard
and judged by him 11. Since Paul was a Roman citizen, he had this
right that would be enforced 12. Note: This would get Paul to Rome
as the rest of Acts records. King Agrippa (of the Jews) was in town
and Festus asks him to hear Paul's case, to see if there are any
charges 27. Festus is dumbfounded as to why they are at odds in
this case 17-20. Note: Even in Festus' unbelief he understood what
Paul was asserting that Jesus, who was dead, is alive 19. He asks
for Agrippa's help since Paul appealed to Caesar 20-22. The next
day the trial before Agrippa takes place amid great pomp and
showiness 23-27. What a captive audience Paul had in which to bear
witness to Jesus Christ and His great salvation. Jesus words will
come to pass as Paul speaks and is given what to say by The Father
and The Spirit (Matthew 10:17-20).
Acts 26
Paul makes his defense before Agrippa and all those who are present
1-3. First is discounts the charges which the Jews made against him
by showing his own life that had been radically transformed by an
encounter with the living Christ 4-18. What a transformation indeed
that happens to anyone who puts their faith in Christ alone for
salvation as described in verse 18 ! Paul proved faithful to the
Lord and His calling on his life 19. He preaches everywhere that
God has fulfilled His promises made to Israel in the person and
work of Jesus Christ 19-23. It is a call to repentance and faith in
Christ 20. Festus can not take it and calls Paul mad and out of his
mind 24. Paul is not flustered by this but remains respectfully and
affirms the seriousness of the message 25. Paul appeals to King
Agrippa to believe 26-27. He rebukes Paul for trying to persuade
him in such a short time to be come a Christian 28. Paul's
desire was to see all of them who hear him speak become just
like him (a saved person); except for his chains (a little humor on
his part) 29. Note: In essence Paul says take time if you need to,
but come to Christ in faith. Sadly, Agrippa is the picture of a man
'who missed the opportunity of a lifetime'. You who are reading
this words, should also consider the appeal made by the Scriptures
here and turn by faith to Christ ! Do not miss the opportunity to
believe and be saved ! They king and governor confer and rule that
Paul has done nothing of death or imprisonment 30-31. His appeal to
Caesar will be carried out 32 and Paul will get to Rome.
Acts 27
It was decided that Paul should be sent to Rome, Italy 1. He and
Luke, and Aristarchus set out 1-2. At Sidon, Paul is given liberty
and then again sets sail amidst uncertain weather 3-8. Paul warns
them not to go at this late time in the season, but they refuse to
listen 9-12. Note: Some decision are made in haste and cause great
suffering later. A 'lull before the storm' is deceiving and they
again set sail 13. Before long the storm comes and it is fierce
14-20. The detailed description indicates a first hand account of
how bad it really was. Note: Storms in life, both natural and
personal, can not be avoided and come to believers and unbelievers
alike. No on is exempt. Paul is able to encourage them, because
Paul had heard from the Lord and believed Him 21-26. God gave Paul
the assurance that he would make it to Rome and that those on the
ship would survive. Note: God's grace is seen in sparing the lives
of these men. Would they realize this and turn to God in humble
submission and praise ? After fourteen days of not eating, Paul
encourages them to eat. He prays in their presence, without shame
or fear. They eat all they desire 33-38. As the ship runs aground
and is broken apart by the waves, all of the 276 aboard make it
safely to land 36-44. This was in keeping with God's promise to
Paul 24. Note: The darkness of a storm is captured in this chapter
of God's Word; so is the hope of looking to Him !
Acts 28
They shipwreck on an island called Malta 1. The islanders show them
kindness. It was raining and cold 2. Paul was gathering wood and is
bitten by a deadly snake 3. They think that justice has 'caught up
with him' 4-5. Paul is unharmed and they change their minds think
he is a god 6. Note: Maybe this illustrates the promise of Jesus in
Mark 16:18 ? Publius, a chief official invites Paul to his estate.
Paul prays for his father and others who are sick and the Lord
heals 7-9. They were supplied with what they needed to set sail 10.
After three months (spring time ?) they set sail for Rome. After
several stops they arrive in Rome 11-14. (What a trip !) Paul is
allowed to be 'under house arrest' with a solder to guard him. The
believers come to him 15-16. Paul calls for the leaders of the Jews
to begin his defense against the charges that were made against him
in Jerusalem 17-19. For the Hope of Israel he is bound with a chain
20. They (the Jews in Rome) have not had word about Paul and they
are willing to hear him explain more about 'this sect' that is
being spoken against 22. Paul takes an entire day and explains from
the Scriptures both the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ 23. Some
believe and others would not (refused to) 24. This was anticipated
by the Lord through the prophet Isaiah. Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10
to show them their guilt before the Lord 26-27. God's salvation is
sent to the Gentiles and they will listen 28-29. Note: This is
still true today ! Paul remains under 'house arrest' for
another two years and welcomes all as he continues to proclaim the
kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ 30-31. He may be limited
and bound, but the Word of God is not bound. The book ends, but it
is not the end; for the history of the Church is still being
written, to this very day, as the Gospel is being proclaimed by His
people worldwide and the Church of Jesus Christ continues to
increase ! AMEN !